Bedlington Terrier: Complete Guide to Ownership, Health & Lineage

The Bedlington Terrier is a medium-sized terrier with the silhouette of a lamb and the heart of a coursing hound. Bred in the coal mining communities of Northumberland, England, to hunt rats in mines, course rabbits, and work alongside poachers who needed a fast, silent, versatile dog, the Bedlington stands 15.5 to 17.5 inches at the shoulder and weighs 17 to 23 pounds. The AKC recognized the breed in 1886, and it currently ranks #128 in popularity—a rare breed with a devoted following. Bedlingtons live 11 to 16 years, and the breed’s defining health concern—copper toxicosis, an inherited liver disease—has been well-characterized genetically, making DNA testing a critical tool for responsible breeders. This guide covers breed lineage, the "wolf in lamb’s clothing" temperament, health screening (including the copper toxicosis genetics every buyer must understand), coat care, cost of ownership, and how to find a PBD-verified Bedlington Terrier breeder through Pet Breeder Hub’s directory.

Attribute	Details
Origin	Bedlington, Northumberland, England (early 1800s; ancestors traced to ~1782)
Breed Group	Terrier Group (AKC); Group 3 — Terriers (FCI)
Size	15.5–17.5 in (males preferred 16.5 in, females 15.5 in), 17–23 lb
Coat	Distinctive "linty" texture—mix of hard and soft hair; tends to curl, especially on head
Colors	Blue, liver, sandy; blue & tan, liver & tan, sandy & tan
Lifespan	11–16 years
Temperament	Loyal, charming, spirited, courageous, gentle at home, energetic
AKC Recognition	1886
AKC Popularity Rank	#128
Key Health Concerns	Copper toxicosis (COMMD1 + ATP7B genes), patellar luxation, retinal dysplasia, eye conditions
Recommended Health Tests	Copper toxicosis DNA test, OFA patellae, ophthalmologist exam (ACVO)
Price Range (2026)	$1,500–$3,500 from reputable breeders

Bedlington Terrier Breed Lineage and Ancestry

The Bedlington Terrier’s documented history begins with Old Flint, a dog whelped around 1782 and owned by Squire Trevelyan of Netherton Hall, near Morpeth in Northumberland. Modern pedigrees trace back to this dog, making the breed’s lineage unusually well-documented for its era. Before Old Flint, the dogs were known as Rothbury Terriers or "Rothbury’s Lambs," named for the village of Rothbury where they were favored by miners, farmers, and Romani travelers for their hunting versatility.

A visiting Hungarian nobleman in the early 1700s described Rothbury-area dogs as "small Greyhounds with hair like that of the lamb," prized by poachers for their speed, stealth, and relentless prey drive. These were not pets—they were working tools for people who depended on game for survival. The breed earned the name "Bedlington Terrier" in 1825, when Joseph Ainsley of Bedlington bred Anderson’s Piper to Coates’ Phoebe, producing Ainsley’s Piper—described as "the best of his race." Ainsley’s Piper hunted until blind and toothless, dying at age 15.

The breed’s ancestral makeup explains its unusual combination of traits. Whippet crosses contributed the arched loin, remarkable speed, and graceful movement—the Bedlington’s silhouette in motion resembles a sighthound more than a terrier. Dandie Dinmont Terrier blood brought the crisp coat texture and distinctive topknot. Otterhound ancestry likely contributed the breed’s powerful swimming ability and affinity for water. The first breed-specific dog show class was held in Bedlington in 1870, and AKC recognition followed in 1886.

Explore the complete Bedlington Terrier ancestry tree on Pet Breeder Hub to trace documented lineage across generations.

Bedlington Terrier Temperament and Personality

The Bedlington Terrier is the breed world’s most convincing disguise. The lamb-like appearance—curly topknot, arched back, gentle expression—conceals a terrier that was bred to kill rats in coal mines, course rabbits at speed, and fight badgers underground. The New Zealand Kennel Club describes them as "terrifying fighters, despite their gentle appearance." This duality is the breed’s defining characteristic: gentle and affectionate in the home, bold and game when challenged.

At home, Bedlingtons are loyal, charming, and surprisingly calm for a terrier. They bond closely with their families, are generally good with children, and adapt well to household routines. They are not hyperactive indoor dogs—they settle contentedly between activity periods and are quieter than most terrier breeds.

Outdoors, the terrier emerges. Bedlingtons have a strong prey drive and should not be trusted off-leash around small animals (squirrels, rabbits, and unfamiliar cats). They can be aggressive toward other dogs, particularly dominant-personality dogs—a Bedlington that decides to stand its ground rarely backs down. Early and extensive socialization mitigates this tendency but does not eliminate the breed’s fundamental gameness.

The breed’s athletic abilities are often underestimated because of the fluffy appearance. Bedlingtons are fast—Whippet-fast in short bursts—and are powerful swimmers comparable to water dog breeds. They excel in agility, earth dog trials, lure coursing, and rally competitions. One breed enthusiast describes their winter capability as "a Husky-like turn of speed on ice or in deep powder." This athleticism needs an outlet; a Bedlington that gets adequate exercise and mental engagement is the gentle companion the breed is known for. One that doesn’t will find its own entertainment, and you will not approve of the results.

Health and Genetic Testing for Bedlington Terriers

The Bedlington Terrier’s health profile is dominated by one condition: copper toxicosis. Understanding this disease and its genetic basis is not optional for anyone considering the breed—it is the single most important piece of information a prospective owner needs.

Always consult your veterinarian about your individual dog’s health risks. The information here reflects breed-wide research, not predictions for any single animal.

Required Health Clearances (CHIC Program)

The Bedlington Terrier Club of America (BTCA) requires three tests for CHIC certification:

Test	Organization	What It Screens	Frequency
Copper Toxicosis DNA Test	OFA / University of Missouri	COMMD1 gene deletion causing impaired hepatic copper excretion	Once (DNA test)
Patellar Luxation Evaluation	OFA	Kneecap dislocation; graded I–IV	Once, after age 12 months
Ophthalmologist Evaluation	OFA / ACVO diplomate	Total retinal dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, distichiasis, cataracts	Annually

Copper Toxicosis: What Every Buyer Must Know

Copper toxicosis is an autosomal recessive disorder in which the liver cannot properly excrete copper into bile. Copper accumulates in liver cells over time, eventually causing inflammation, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Approximately 5% of living Bedlington Terriers are affected, and a 2004 UK breed health survey identified it as the leading hepatic cause of death.

The primary genetic cause is a 39.7 kilobase deletion in the COMMD1 gene (formerly called MURR1), which removes exon 2. A DNA test—available through the OFA and UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory—identifies dogs as clear (no copies), carriers (one copy), or affected (two copies). Carriers can be bred to clear dogs without producing affected offspring, maintaining genetic diversity in a small breed population.

Critical 2023 update: A study published in Veterinary Record (Haywood et al., 2023) identified a second genetic variant—a mutation in the ATP7B gene—that causes copper toxicosis independently of COMMD1. Some affected Bedlingtons carried two copies of the ATP7B variant with zero copies of the COMMD1 deletion. This means a negative COMMD1 result alone does not rule out copper toxicosis risk. Ask your breeder whether they test for both variants.

Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, excessive thirst, abdominal distension, jaundice, and dark urine. Treatment involves low-copper diets, copper chelation medications (D-penicillamine, trientine), and zinc supplementation to block copper absorption. Early diagnosis dramatically improves outcomes.

Other Health Conditions

Retinal dysplasia is a documented concern. Bedlingtons are prone to total retinal dysplasia (TRD), where retinal cells separate from the underlying membrane, resulting in impaired vision with no available treatment. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), distichiasis, persistent pupillary membranes, cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and entropion are also reported.

Patellar luxation occurs at rates consistent with other medium-sized terrier breeds and requires monitoring.

Care Requirements for Bedlington Terriers

Grooming

The Bedlington’s linty coat is unique in the dog world—a mixture of hard and soft hair that stands out from the body and naturally forms crisp curls. The coat is virtually non-shedding (loose hairs cling to the linty texture rather than falling out, similar to a Poodle), making the breed a strong option for allergy-sensitive households. However, the coat requires consistent maintenance to prevent matting.

Brush or comb daily to keep the coat tangle-free. Professional clipping every six to eight weeks maintains the signature lamb-like silhouette—one of the most technically demanding clips in all of dogdom. For show purposes, coat length must not exceed one inch from the body. Avoid conditioning products if maintaining show-quality texture, as conditioners affect the coat’s characteristic density and crispness.

Puppies are born dark (nearly black in blues) and lighten dramatically with maturity due to a dominant greying gene—this color transformation is normal and expected.

Exercise

Bedlingtons need 30 to 45 minutes of structured daily activity—two walks plus indoor or yard play satisfies most dogs. Despite the moderate exercise requirement on paper, remember that this breed can sprint at near-Whippet speeds and is a powerful swimmer. Channeling that athleticism through agility, earth dog trials, lure coursing, or swimming keeps the terrier brain engaged and the household intact. Bedlingtons adapt well to apartment living provided they receive adequate daily exercise.

Diet

Feed a high-quality food with meat as the first ingredient, typically 1 to 1.5 cups daily divided into two meals. For dogs diagnosed with or genetically predisposed to copper toxicosis, dietary management is critical. Foods high in copper must be limited or avoided: organ meats (especially liver), shellfish, chocolate, nuts, mushrooms, and legumes. Lower-copper protein sources include chicken, turkey, eggs, and white rice. Your veterinarian may recommend zinc supplementation to block copper absorption. Even for dogs that test clear for both COMMD1 and ATP7B, monitoring liver values periodically is prudent given the breed’s history.

Finding a Responsible Bedlington Terrier Breeder

Copper toxicosis testing is the non-negotiable baseline for any Bedlington Terrier breeder. A breeder who does not DNA-test for COMMD1—and ideally for the newer ATP7B variant—is not a responsible breeder, full stop. The test is inexpensive, widely available, and has been the standard of care for decades. There is no excuse for skipping it.

Beyond copper toxicosis, a responsible Bedlington breeder will have CHIC clearances (patellae, eyes) for both parents, will be transparent about health history across multiple generations, and will have a contract with a health clause and lifetime take-back commitment. They will ask about your lifestyle, fencing, and experience with terrier temperaments.

The breed is rare (#128 in AKC popularity), so expect limited availability and potential waitlists. This scarcity is a feature, not a bug—it means the breed has avoided the mass production that compromises health in more popular breeds.

Start your search with the Bedlington Terrier Club of America or the AKC Bedlington Terrier breed page. You can also browse PBD-verified Bedlington Terrier breeders in the Pet Breeder Hub directory, where listed breeders have undergone government-registry-integrated verification.

Cost of Owning a Bedlington Terrier in 2026

Bedlington Terrier ownership involves specialized costs, particularly around grooming and potential copper toxicosis management. Below is a realistic breakdown based on 2026 pricing data.

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Puppy purchase (responsible breeder)	$1,500–$3,500	Average ~$2,400; show-quality lines toward upper range
First-year setup (supplies, initial vet)	$1,200–$1,800	Crate, bed, leashes, puppy vaccines, spay/neuter
Annual food	$600–$1,200	Specialized low-copper diet costs more if needed
Annual veterinary care	$500–$1,200	Routine visits, vaccines, liver value monitoring; copper management adds cost
Annual grooming	$400–$800	Professional clipping every 6–8 weeks at $50–$100/session
Pet insurance	$350–$600/year	$29–$50/month; ensure liver/hepatic conditions are covered
Training	$200–$500	Group classes; terrier-experienced trainer recommended
Miscellaneous (toys, treats, boarding)	$300–$700	Variable by household
Estimated annual total (after Year 1)	$2,350–$5,000
Estimated lifetime cost (14 years)	$34,000–$72,000	Copper toxicosis treatment (chelation, specialized diet) is an ongoing expense if diagnosed

The biggest financial wildcard is copper toxicosis. Chelation therapy, low-copper prescription diets, and regular liver monitoring create ongoing costs that can add $1,000 to $3,000 per year for affected dogs. This is why DNA testing before purchase is not optional—it is financial self-defense as much as it is ethical breeding practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Bedlington Terriers shed?

Virtually no. The Bedlington’s linty coat traps loose hair within its texture rather than releasing it, similar to a Poodle. This makes the breed one of the lowest-shedding options available and a strong candidate for allergy-sensitive households. However, the coat still requires daily brushing to prevent matting and professional clipping every six to eight weeks.

What is copper toxicosis in Bedlington Terriers?

Copper toxicosis is an inherited liver disease in which the body cannot properly excrete copper into bile. Copper accumulates in liver cells over months to years, eventually causing liver inflammation, cirrhosis, and potentially fatal liver failure. It is caused by mutations in the COMMD1 gene and, as discovered in 2023, the ATP7B gene. A simple DNA test identifies clear, carrier, and affected dogs. Approximately 5% of living Bedlingtons are affected. Responsible breeders test all breeding stock and can produce unaffected puppies even from carrier parents.

Are Bedlington Terriers good family dogs?

Yes. Bedlingtons are gentle, loyal, and affectionate at home, and they are generally good with children. They are calmer indoors than most terrier breeds and adapt well to family routines. The important caveat is their terrier gameness—they can be dog-aggressive and have a strong prey drive, so supervision around other dogs and small pets is necessary, and early socialization is critical.

Why do Bedlington Terriers look like lambs?

The lamb-like appearance results from the breed’s distinctive linty coat (a mix of hard and soft hair that curls naturally), the characteristic arched (roach) back inherited from Whippet ancestors, the pear-shaped head with its lighter-colored topknot, and the traditional grooming clip that emphasizes these features. The resemblance is entirely superficial—underneath the lamb exterior is a terrier bred to hunt, course, and fight.

Are Bedlington Terriers aggressive?

Bedlingtons are not randomly aggressive, but they are game terriers that will not back down from a confrontation. Dog-on-dog aggression, particularly with dominant-personality dogs, is a documented breed tendency. Early and extensive socialization reduces this risk significantly. With proper socialization, Bedlingtons are confident and well-mannered—but they should never be assumed to be pushovers simply because they look like lambs.

How often do Bedlington Terriers need grooming?

Daily brushing or combing is recommended to prevent matting in the linty coat. Professional clipping every six to eight weeks maintains the breed’s signature silhouette. The show clip—short on the body, with longer leg furnishings and the distinctive arched topknot—is one of the most technically demanding in all breeds. Many pet owners opt for a simpler "puppy clip" that is easier to maintain while still honoring the breed’s unique appearance.

How long do Bedlington Terriers live?

The average Bedlington Terrier lifespan is 11 to 16 years. Copper toxicosis is the primary life-limiting condition in the breed, which is why DNA testing and, for at-risk dogs, regular liver monitoring and dietary management are so critical. Dogs that are clear of copper toxicosis genes and receive appropriate care routinely reach 14 to 16 years.

Can Bedlington Terriers swim?

Yes, and many love it. The Bedlington’s Otterhound ancestry contributed a powerful swimming ability that surprises many people. They are strong, capable swimmers often compared to water dog breeds. Swimming is also excellent low-impact exercise for the breed, particularly for older dogs or those managing joint conditions.

Conclusion

The Bedlington Terrier is one of dogdom’s great paradoxes: a breed that looks like a lamb, runs like a Whippet, swims like an Otterhound, and fights like a terrier. Its defining health concern—copper toxicosis—is well-understood genetically and entirely manageable through DNA testing and responsible breeding. For owners who appreciate a dog that combines elegance with grit, gentleness with gameness, and a non-shedding coat with genuine athletic ability, the Bedlington is unlike anything else in the terrier group.

Ready to find a health-tested Bedlington Terrier from a verified breeder? Search PBD-verified Bedlington Terrier breeders in the Pet Breeder Hub directory, or explore the Bedlington Terrier lineage tree to research ancestry and health lines before making your decision.